Pakistan skipper Babar Azam stated his team is ready to give 100% in the upcoming Super Fours stage match against India of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. The Babar Azam-led team kicked off their Super Fours stage campaign on a high after a dominant win of seven wickets against Bangladesh at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the group stage match between Pakistan and India was abandoned after the latter scored 266 runs but rain played killjoy in the end.
On Wednesday, Haris Rauf was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, returning with impressive figures of 4-19 in the six overs he bowled. Rauf accounted for Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Taskin Ahmed, and Mushfiqur Rahim. Furthermore, Naseem Shah scalped three wickets as Pakistan fast bowlers once again flexed their muscles.
“No, not really (pressure ahead of big game?) This win will give us confidence, we are always ready for a big match. We will give our 100 percent in the next match,” Babar said after Pakistan wrapped up a dominant win at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan’s pace battery took nine out of 10 Bangladesh wickets as the visitors were skittled out for only 193 runs on a decent batting wicket. Azam gave credit to the fast bowlers for getting the job done against the Tigers.
“Yeah, the credit goes to all the boys, especially to the fast bowlers, the way they bowled in the first 10 overs, and especially Rauf was really good. Faheem Ashraf bowled very well, I saw the grass on the pitch and thought of going with the extra seamer,” Babar said, heaping praise on his pace attack.
On the other hand, Imam-ul-Haq scored a fine knock of 78 runs whereas Mohammad Rizwan scored an unbeaten knock of 63 to help Pakistan get over the line.
Pakistan will face India in their next Super Fours stage match at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday.